Strawberry Swirl Fudge (Creamy, No-Fail & Naturally Beautiful)

Strawberry Swirl Fudge is a smooth, creamy white chocolate fudge marbled with vibrant strawberry flavor. It’s rich yet fruity, visually striking, and surprisingly easy to make. Whether you’re preparing treats for holidays, Valentine’s Day, baby showers, or edible gifts, this recipe delivers consistent results with minimal effort.

This guide covers:

• Ingredient science
• Step-by-step technique
• Swirling methods
• Texture control
• Storage best practices
• Flavor variations
• Troubleshooting common issues

When executed correctly, the fudge should be:

• Smooth and creamy
• Firm but sliceable
• Not grainy
• Not overly soft
• Beautifully marbled

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Why This Recipe Works

The structure of strawberry swirl fudge relies on:

• Sweetened condensed milk → Provides sugar and milk solids for smoothness
• White chocolate → Sets firmly when cooled
• Butter (optional) → Enhances creaminess
• Strawberry flavor component → Adds color and fruit brightness

White chocolate contains cocoa butter, which solidifies as it cools, giving fudge its firm texture without traditional sugar boiling methods.

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Ingredients (Makes 25–36 Pieces)

Base Fudge

• 3 cups (510 g) high-quality white chocolate chips
• 1 can (14 oz / 397 g) sweetened condensed milk
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter (optional but recommended)
• 1 tsp vanilla extract
• Pinch of salt

Strawberry Swirl

• ¼ cup strawberry jam (seedless preferred)
  OR
• 1–2 tsp strawberry extract + pink food coloring

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Equipment Needed

• 8×8 inch baking pan
• Parchment paper
• Heavy-bottom saucepan
• Spatula
• Toothpick or skewer (for swirl)

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Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare the Pan

Line an 8×8 pan with parchment paper, leaving overhang for easy removal.

Lightly grease if needed.

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2. Melt the Base

In a saucepan over low heat, combine:

• White chocolate chips
• Sweetened condensed milk
• Butter

Stir continuously until melted and smooth.

Important:
Do not overheat. White chocolate scorches easily.

Remove from heat.

Stir in vanilla and salt.

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3. Pour into Pan

Spread evenly in prepared pan.

Work quickly before it begins to set.

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4. Add Strawberry Swirl

Warm strawberry jam slightly (10–15 seconds in microwave).

Drop spoonfuls across surface of fudge.

Use a toothpick or knife to gently swirl.

Do not overmix—you want distinct marbling.

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5. Chill

Refrigerate 2–3 hours until fully set.

Lift out using parchment.

Slice with warm, clean knife.

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Achieving the Perfect Swirl

For a clean marbled effect:

• Add jam in small dots, not large pools
• Drag toothpick in figure-eight motions
• Stop when pattern looks defined

Over-swirling blends colors and reduces contrast.

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Texture Troubleshooting

Problem	Cause	Fix
Grainy texture	Overheated chocolate	Melt gently next time
Too soft	Too much jam	Reduce swirl quantity
Oily surface	Chocolate overheated	Lower heat
Won’t set	Incorrect ratio	Use full 3 cups chocolate

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Jam vs Extract: Which Is Better?

Option	Result
Strawberry jam	Natural fruit flavor, softer swirl
Strawberry extract	Stronger flavor, cleaner texture
Freeze-dried strawberry powder	Intense color + real fruit

For premium results, use freeze-dried strawberry powder blended into a small portion of fudge.

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Flavor Variations

White Chocolate Raspberry Swirl

Replace strawberry jam with raspberry preserves.

Chocolate Strawberry Fudge

Add ½ cup dark chocolate chips to base.

Strawberry Cheesecake Fudge

Add 2 oz cream cheese to base (reduce butter slightly).

Valentine’s Sprinkle Topping

Add heart sprinkles before chilling.

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Storage Guide

Storage	Duration
Refrigerator	2 weeks
Room temp (cool climate)	4–5 days
Freezer	3 months

Store in airtight container.

Separate layers with parchment paper.

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Cutting Clean Squares

For professional presentation:

1. Run knife under hot water.
2. Wipe dry.
3. Slice in one clean motion.
4. Clean blade between cuts.

This prevents smearing.

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Why Sweetened Condensed Milk Is Used

Unlike traditional fudge that requires boiling sugar to soft-ball stage, condensed milk:

• Eliminates need for candy thermometer
• Reduces crystallization risk
• Ensures smooth texture
• Simplifies process

It makes this recipe beginner-friendly and reliable.

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Nutritional Estimate (Per Square)

Approximate (based on 30 pieces):

• Calories: 130–150
• Fat: 7–9g
• Carbohydrates: 15–18g
• Protein: 2g

This is a rich dessert—serve small portions.

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Make It Less Sweet

White chocolate fudge is naturally sweet. To balance:

• Add pinch of sea salt
• Use high-quality white chocolate
• Incorporate freeze-dried strawberries
• Add 1–2 tsp lemon juice to jam before swirling

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Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Using Low-Quality White Chocolate

Cheap chips may not melt smoothly.

2. Overheating

White chocolate seizes easily.

3. Adding Too Much Strawberry Jam

Excess liquid affects setting.

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Presentation Ideas

• Package in decorative gift tins
• Wrap in wax paper squares
• Stack in clear treat bags
• Add edible gold dust for elegance

Perfect for:

• Valentine’s Day
• Mother’s Day
• Baby showers
• Holiday cookie trays

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Final Technical Summary

Strawberry Swirl Fudge succeeds when:

1. White chocolate is melted gently
2. Proper chocolate-to-condensed milk ratio is used
3. Swirl is applied lightly
4. Chill time is respected

When done correctly, the result is a creamy, beautifully marbled fudge with rich white chocolate flavor and bright strawberry contrast.

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